Excessive moisture attracts arthropods

Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE

One thing that all arthropod pests have in common is their constant quest for water. While some pest species meet their moisture requirements from the food they consume or hosts they feed upon, most arthropod pests depend on moisture gradients and microclimates to survive.

Integrated pest management (IPM) practices directed toward reducing conducive conditions, modifying the environment, and eliminating moist microclimates can greatly improve your success. Help your customers understand that documenting and repairing issues with crawlspace and attic ventilation, poor foundation drainage, clogged gutters, landscaping or overwatering issues, and even excessive condensation, will help prevent small issues from becoming major pest infestations.

Excessive moisture can cause baits to mold or decay rapidly, prevent the transfer of residual pesticides onto pests, wash away liquid treatments, and eliminate the effectiveness of pesticide dusts. Whether your problem is ticks in the yard, cockroaches in the kitchen, wood-boring beetles in the crawlspace, or snails, slugs, earwigs or ants around the foundation, remember that excessive moisture is the enemy.

The post Excessive moisture attracts arthropods first appeared on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2023/08/25/excessive-moisture-attracts-arthropods/
Sacramento CA